Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/13059
FAMILY FUN AT THE FAIR The Beat Goes On as the OC Fair Celebrates 120 years July 16 - August 15, 2010 By: Daniel Albert W here can you find tasty food, live entertainment, a midway full of exciting games, and rides that will leave you breathless all in one place? Well if you've been in Orange County in the past 120 years then you know of course that I'm talking about, it's the OC Fair. The OC Fair invites guests to a deep-fried summer on a stick as opens its gates to the public once more for the 120th anniversary celebration July16-August 15. Open Wednesday thru Sunday, the Fair will feature the premiere of a 120th anniversary exhibit showcase cataloguing a decade-by-decade look into Orange County's favorite tradition. This year's theme, "The Beat Goes On," honors the heart of Orange County – the OC Fair – as it continues to beat. The 23-day celebration kicks off with free admission and parking for everyone during the first hour of the 2010 Fair (Friday, July 16, Noon-1 p.m.). This is sure to set things off with a bang so get there early if you plan on attending this kick off event. Other 2010 promotions include the Super Pass for $30 (adult price), allowing those guests who cannot get enough of the Fair daily access at one low price; in support of our heroes, active military (with valid ID) receive free admission daily; "We Care Wednesdays" offer free admission and one carnival ride with an appropriate donation at the gates (check www.ocfair.com for donation details as they vary each week); Thursdays offer children 12 and younger free admission and Fridays celebrate seniors (60 and older) with a discount on admission and free select carnival rides. The Fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.With deals like that almost every day of the week who could resist!? In addition, the Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series at the OC Fair is geared to provide a premiere concert experience at a ticket price that is truly fan-friendly as concert tickets include not only the concert but also fair admission. Headline acts this year include Faith Hill, Jeff Dunham, Train, Adam Lambert, B-52s, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, "Weird Al" Yankovic, LeAnn Rimes, and ZZ Top, with more to be announced on www.ocfair.com. As if that weren't enough, the OC Fair will unveil its newest entertainment complex, The Hangar, which will host tribute bands, sporting events and more throughout the duration of the fair. "Al's Brain – A 3-D Journey Through The Human Brain with 'Weird Al' Yankovic" is back by popular demand and will feature educational displays and an original 10-minute 3-D film written by, directed by and starring Weird Al. The attraction is free with Fair admission and is open every day of the Fair. If you're worried that you'll be missing some of your favorite action sports events fear not. The Action Sports Arena will return with the popular Orange Crush Demolition Derby and for a second year, Motorhome Madness Demolition Derby. This crowd favorite event will provide hours of smashing entertainment. Also featured is the Maloof Money Cup, Speedway, Bull Riding and other action-packed events. General seating, excluding Maloof Money Cup, is free with Fair admission. However it wouldn't truly be the OC Fair without an abundance of tasty treats. Everything under the sun that can be deep-fried, on a stick and so much more will be readily available for all your snacking needs. Approximately 80 vendors offer a variety of food choices, including colossal Mexican funnel cakes, giant turkey legs, mile-long hot dogs, ooey gooey cinnamon rolls, frozen lemonade, deep-fried Smore's, chocolate-covered bacon, roasted corn and much more. If you're looking to get into the action yourself than look no further. Do you bake the best brownies? Grow the largest pumpkins? Brew your own beer? The OC Fair competitions and contests provide a platform for competitors and is open to all ages. Submission forms and deadlines can be found at www.ocfair.com. The 2010 OC Fair is open Wednesday-Friday from Noon-Midnight and Saturday- Sunday from 10 a.m.-Midnight. General admission is $10 and parking is $7. Tickets for select shows in the Pacific Amphitheatre, Action Sports Arena and Hangar are on sale now and The 2010 Super Pass is also on sale as of the end of April. The annual OC Fair is one of more than 150 events held at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, call (714) 708-1500 or visit www.ocfair.com. So whether you are looking for the destructive antics of the demolition derby, some deep fried tastiness, or just a relaxing day under the sun The OC Fair has you covered. You can witness great concerts and still have time for a corn dog or giant turkey leg, a winning combination for any Fair goer. The only thing we don't recommend combining is a funnel cake and slushy right before you get on the Tilt-O-Whirl. LIVEMAGS.NET JULY>>10 39